We Will Miss Shiotani for Longer Time Al Sahbani: The “Boss” Players Were Up to Expectations and Al Ainawi Fans Made the Difference in the Derby Clash
Matar Obaid Al Dhahiri, Manager of Al Ain First Football Team, said that the “Boss” snapped important three points by winning Al Wahda in AGL. He stated: “Following the team’s match against Al Sharjah, the technical and administrative staff intensified their efforts to improve and achieve the highest degrees of players’ calmness and concentration in preparation to face Al Wahda.” He also said: “The Head Coach requested to have the training sessions closed seeking to achieve the players’ highest levels of concentration and attentiveness in light of the significant numerical shortage in the team’s lines. Indeed, the Boss’ players were up to the challenge and quite accountable and did overcome the awkward conditions and defeated the home team on their ground and among their fans.”
Al Sahbani went on to say: “Al Ain fans played a prominent role in the team’s victory on Saturday by the exemplary cheering for the team from stands, the matter that boosted the morale of the team and contributed greatly in achieving the positive result. Additionally, receiving the team by fans at main entrance of the stadium was a message to everybody that loyal Ainawi Nation who arrived earlier even the team has boundless trust in the “Boss”.”
“The team players’ high morals during training sessions, in changing room and during warm-up exercises, besides showing the robust desire to win and high spirits were the most key factors that contributed to achieving the best result at the expense of the competitor. Not to forget also, the role of the team’s captain, Omar Abdul Rahman, who insisted to play the match following holding a meeting with his teammates and it was truly a wonderful enthusiastic scene where he stressed that he is up to the challenge and the responsibility he shoulders,” added he.
“We did win the three points of the match, we were able to break the record of eight years of not winning any match against Al Wahda at this stadium and finished this round top in AGL standing table along with Al Wasl,” stated he. He also pointed out: “It is too early to talk about contending to win the title because the race for win it is still in its early stages. I wish to see fans’ great attendance to all the team’s matches exactly as it happened last Saturday, and at the same time I hope that Al Ain players will continue in exhibiting their high spirits of challenge and enthusiasm we witnessed in the Derby to ensure winning our coming matches.”
In response to a question on Japan’s Shiotani injury, he commented: “Undoubtedly, the player was deliberately hammered by Al Wahda’s player and without a ball which resulted in a serious injury. Shiotani was by sent to hospital in Abu Dhabi by ambulance and then it was decided to transfer him to Al Ain Hospital at 3 a.m. where the specialist attending doctor decided that the player will undergo a surgical operation.” He added: “According to the medical reports, Shiotani will be away from fields for two to three months based on his responsiveness to medical treatment. It is certain that Shiotani is a quality player who supported the team by his brilliant and consistent level of skills. I do wish him a speedy recovery to further enhance the squad’s power during the forthcoming encounters.”
He concluded his press interview by commenting on the team’s match against Al Dhafra: “It is the fate of the big teams to play and compete in all championships. Therefore, the team is required to win Al Dhafra in the next round of the Arabian Gulf Cup to move on the track of victories despite the fact that we will be missing 10 international players including Marcus Berg, besides Shiotani for injury.”
